Nothing beats a Cancun resort vacation. Here is where paradise and pleasure come together in one neat package; all you have to do is sit by the pool and enjoy the sun. Of course, you can't wear your swimsuit for the entire vacation, and many times will be forced to change into something better suited for the situation. The following advises you on what to wear and when while at a Cancun resort.

By the Pool

Most resorts in Cancun have a casual dress policy where swimsuits and sandals are the norm. This usually applies to all pools and recreational areas and the beach. Some resorts may require guests to cover up while walking through the hallways and lobby, so for this a light shirt or pullover is recommended.

Meals

While attending a meal at a resort, it is usually a faux pax to show up barefoot and in a bathing suit. Casual dress is suitable for breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. This can be anything from jeans, shorts or swim trunks and t-shirt for men to shorts or a skirt and a tank top for women.

Many resorts require more formal dress for dinner, where flip-flops and shorts are not allowed. For this, nice jeans or khakis and polo shirt work well for men, and a casual sundress or nice jeans and a blouse work well for women. The dress code policy at mealtime depends entirely on the hotel so it is best to check ahead of time.

Entertainment

How to dress during the entertainment the resort provides depends on the type of entertainment. If it is a concert by the pool during the day, then a swimsuit will suffice. The same entertainment at night may require casual dress.

As resorts often have many bars on the property, the style of dress depends on the bar. Use your best judgment or contact the front desk if you are unsure. Special entertainment like theater or a jazz concert on a nice stage will probably require more formal dress similar to dressing for dinner.

Activities

Cancun resorts often provide endless opportunities to participate in activities in and around the hotel. Obviously if the activity is water related such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing or jet-skiing, nothing more than a swimsuit and sunscreen is required. Most poolside activities and games require nothing more than that. Other activities, like golf for instance, may require more formal dress. Depending on the course's rules, it may be unacceptable to play in shorts and a t-shirt. Activities such as hiking or horseback riding may require long pants and a t-shirt to avoid irritation.

In General

The best advice is to contact the resort or check the resort's website ahead of time and ask about any special dress code and to have an idea of what activities you plan to participate in. A general rule of thumb is to be prepared for anything by having one casual outfit, a semi-formal outfit and a set of warm clothes for nighttime in addition to the swimsuit, sandals and sunglasses.

References

About the Author

Patrick M. Lind has been freelance writing since 2007 and has worked as an editor and journalist for ChicagoSporting.com. He received a Master of Arts in history from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Middle East.